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2011 Harley-Davidson Sidecar Ads
Quote from gnm109 on August 3, 2010, 5:47 pmNow that we've heard all about the secret memos where Harley-Davidson was going to quit building sidecars, it appears that they are back,.or rather, they never left.
The 2011 Harley-Davidson Touring Family Catalog, which is available on the Harley-Davidson website, www.Harley-Davidson.com as a 14.8mb (PDF), may be seen from the link below. It's a 135 page document showing all items offered as accessories for Harley-Davidsons for 2011. It just came out, by the way. The Harley-Davidson sidecar is depicted on page 134 and accessories for their sidecars on page 135. I tried to post just the two pages cited but that doesn't work on a PDF, at least on my computer. If you wish to view the ads, just click on the link and go to the last two pages.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Media/downloads/Genuine_Motor_Accessories/2011_GMA_Catalog/2011-Touring.pdf
Quoting from page 134....
"456 TOURING
Sidecar Accessories
*WARNING: Sidecars are for use only on FL Touring
Motorcycles. Sidecars must never be used on Softail®
motorcycles, FLSTS/FLSTSC motorcycles, motorcycles
fitted with the Springer® front fork or ’05-’07 Police
motorcycles with anti-lock brakes. Use of these vehicles
or forks with sidecars could adversely affect handling
which could result in death or serious injury.
Harley-Davidson is the only major motorcycle company that
makes its own sidecars.* Harley® sidecars are available in a
wide range of solid and two-tone colors. We’ll match stock
paint for 2004-2011 model years and offer two interior styles:
Standard and Ultra Classic®. The Ultra model offers a plush
interior which includes a premium sound system designed
to complement the stereo on FL models. All Harley® sidecars
feature hand-laid fiberglass bodies, third wheel disc brake,
carpeted interiors, windshields, tonneau covers, and four
different wheel/tire combinations. Sidecar includes all necessary
mounting hardware.
See your Harley-Davidson® Dealer for additional information. "It seems to me that if they were going to quit building sidecars, they would have left them out of the catalog. Perhaps it's significant that they occupy the last two pages of the catalog. I'll leave that to others to decide.
For the record, it's never been easy to purchase a sidecar from Harley-Davidson. Due to their size and the issue of paint matching, they have to be special-ordered. There is usually a 60-90 day wait while the factory in Tomahawk, WI builds another one and, of course, the dealer will want cash up front.
They don't advertise much and the dealers really don't like them all that much, but as far as I can see, they're still making them. They make a nice sidecar, too. I sure like mine.
I will add a disclaimer that there are numerous other fine sidecar manufacturers and, of course, for some motorcycle other than Harley-Davidson, a different brand of sidecar is needed since they really only fit the Harley-Davidson FL's.
Happy Trails.
Now that we've heard all about the secret memos where Harley-Davidson was going to quit building sidecars, it appears that they are back,.or rather, they never left.
The 2011 Harley-Davidson Touring Family Catalog, which is available on the Harley-Davidson website, http://www.Harley-Davidson.com as a 14.8mb (PDF), may be seen from the link below. It's a 135 page document showing all items offered as accessories for Harley-Davidsons for 2011. It just came out, by the way. The Harley-Davidson sidecar is depicted on page 134 and accessories for their sidecars on page 135. I tried to post just the two pages cited but that doesn't work on a PDF, at least on my computer. If you wish to view the ads, just click on the link and go to the last two pages.
Quoting from page 134....
"456 TOURING
Sidecar Accessories
*WARNING: Sidecars are for use only on FL Touring
Motorcycles. Sidecars must never be used on Softail®
motorcycles, FLSTS/FLSTSC motorcycles, motorcycles
fitted with the Springer® front fork or ’05-’07 Police
motorcycles with anti-lock brakes. Use of these vehicles
or forks with sidecars could adversely affect handling
which could result in death or serious injury.
Harley-Davidson is the only major motorcycle company that
makes its own sidecars.* Harley® sidecars are available in a
wide range of solid and two-tone colors. We’ll match stock
paint for 2004-2011 model years and offer two interior styles:
Standard and Ultra Classic®. The Ultra model offers a plush
interior which includes a premium sound system designed
to complement the stereo on FL models. All Harley® sidecars
feature hand-laid fiberglass bodies, third wheel disc brake,
carpeted interiors, windshields, tonneau covers, and four
different wheel/tire combinations. Sidecar includes all necessary
mounting hardware.
See your Harley-Davidson® Dealer for additional information. "
It seems to me that if they were going to quit building sidecars, they would have left them out of the catalog. Perhaps it's significant that they occupy the last two pages of the catalog. I'll leave that to others to decide.
For the record, it's never been easy to purchase a sidecar from Harley-Davidson. Due to their size and the issue of paint matching, they have to be special-ordered. There is usually a 60-90 day wait while the factory in Tomahawk, WI builds another one and, of course, the dealer will want cash up front.
They don't advertise much and the dealers really don't like them all that much, but as far as I can see, they're still making them. They make a nice sidecar, too. I sure like mine.
I will add a disclaimer that there are numerous other fine sidecar manufacturers and, of course, for some motorcycle other than Harley-Davidson, a different brand of sidecar is needed since they really only fit the Harley-Davidson FL's.
Happy Trails.
Quote from Guest on August 4, 2010, 6:05 amFirstly, I have NOTHING but respect and appreciation for all the e-mails you have responded too, trying to help me with my Harley hack that I've yet to attach. Thank you, very, very much Gaylord !!!!
That said, here's my .02
Back in 1983 or 1984, a Chevy dealer I was applying to work for, sent me with their sales mgr. and a couple other guys, to test ride and actually race the Chevy Citation at Norwalk Drag strip in Norwalk, Oh. A couple hundred Chevy dealers/mgr.'s/salesmen were there for the hype to excite everyone about selling the Citation II or III, whatever it was. GM had invested millions of $$$ to design the new Citation. They invested tons more for the nationwide promotion like we were attending. Not 30 days later GM announced they were stopping all production and that model never saw life !!! The Citation was dead ! I joked about that for years, how they could be promoting a product on such a grand scale, after so much $$$ had been invested in R&R and the $$$$ spent to re-tool the plant for production, and 30 days later end it all????
Brilliant !
Harleys Catalog was designed and printed before the decision to stop production. I've never been a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet the farm Harley is done with sidecars. I'd also be willing to bet that the MOCO will be bought by a "foreign" company within the next year or 2. I love my Harley, couldn't wait to get back from vacation on the Wing rig and ride the Harley. My Harley is a 10 in my book, my Wing is a 5. As far as sidecars go, the Hannigan is far more functional, versatile, roomy and dare I say, better looking, at least to me.
I like the old Harley sidecar the best, the one that Liberty copied and produces today. I'd rate my Harley TLE 3rd on the list. Different strokes for different folks.
If I don't get the price I want for my TLE, it'll probably get attached next spring to my 2003 Ultra. I wouldn't mind having 2 rigs.
Firstly, I have NOTHING but respect and appreciation for all the e-mails you have responded too, trying to help me with my Harley hack that I've yet to attach. Thank you, very, very much Gaylord !!!!
That said, here's my .02
Back in 1983 or 1984, a Chevy dealer I was applying to work for, sent me with their sales mgr. and a couple other guys, to test ride and actually race the Chevy Citation at Norwalk Drag strip in Norwalk, Oh. A couple hundred Chevy dealers/mgr.'s/salesmen were there for the hype to excite everyone about selling the Citation II or III, whatever it was. GM had invested millions of $$$ to design the new Citation. They invested tons more for the nationwide promotion like we were attending. Not 30 days later GM announced they were stopping all production and that model never saw life !!! The Citation was dead ! I joked about that for years, how they could be promoting a product on such a grand scale, after so much $$$ had been invested in R&R and the $$$$ spent to re-tool the plant for production, and 30 days later end it all????
Brilliant !
Harleys Catalog was designed and printed before the decision to stop production. I've never been a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet the farm Harley is done with sidecars. I'd also be willing to bet that the MOCO will be bought by a "foreign" company within the next year or 2. I love my Harley, couldn't wait to get back from vacation on the Wing rig and ride the Harley. My Harley is a 10 in my book, my Wing is a 5. As far as sidecars go, the Hannigan is far more functional, versatile, roomy and dare I say, better looking, at least to me.
I like the old Harley sidecar the best, the one that Liberty copied and produces today. I'd rate my Harley TLE 3rd on the list. Different strokes for different folks.
If I don't get the price I want for my TLE, it'll probably get attached next spring to my 2003 Ultra. I wouldn't mind having 2 rigs.
Quote from Guest on August 4, 2010, 10:06 amWhen this bug first bite, we wanted a Harley hack. But thanks to great info and guidance from this and other forums, we went with a hack that fit our needs the best. Don't get me wrong I love the Escort, and the smiles is still there every time I swing a leg over, and hit the starter button. But after test riding a 2010 Harley Ultra w/Harley TLE, I would love to have both.............sure the escort is well I don't have a clue how old and the Harley rig was new...........but it goes back to the first time I saw a hack, and you know it was a Harley, I think he was dads EWO in B-52, and he gave me a ride to remember................chair flying in the air around the parking lot.......as a kid I was impressed. Fast forward a few years………well quite a few years forward. Met the woman I was meant to be with, we bought 5 different bikes until we found the one for the two of us. Happy for awhile, but the young man that lives with us was left out………..sidecar added now happy again……in fact very happy. Maybe one day I will be able to have a rig like the 2010 I test rode…..but for now , we count the miles and the smiles. And to see what maybe the end of an era for another great American company………..Pontiac……….AMF(lol)………Harley hacks……..I see a market in the near future for MOCO hack parts………..time to hit e-bay……….see ya soon or on the road…..sorry for the mid-morning rambling………….not.
turtleman
When this bug first bite, we wanted a Harley hack. But thanks to great info and guidance from this and other forums, we went with a hack that fit our needs the best. Don't get me wrong I love the Escort, and the smiles is still there every time I swing a leg over, and hit the starter button. But after test riding a 2010 Harley Ultra w/Harley TLE, I would love to have both.............sure the escort is well I don't have a clue how old and the Harley rig was new...........but it goes back to the first time I saw a hack, and you know it was a Harley, I think he was dads EWO in B-52, and he gave me a ride to remember................chair flying in the air around the parking lot.......as a kid I was impressed. Fast forward a few years………well quite a few years forward. Met the woman I was meant to be with, we bought 5 different bikes until we found the one for the two of us. Happy for awhile, but the young man that lives with us was left out………..sidecar added now happy again……in fact very happy. Maybe one day I will be able to have a rig like the 2010 I test rode…..but for now , we count the miles and the smiles. And to see what maybe the end of an era for another great American company………..Pontiac……….AMF(lol)………Harley hacks……..I see a market in the near future for MOCO hack parts………..time to hit e-bay……….see ya soon or on the road…..sorry for the mid-morning rambling………….not.
turtleman
Quote from gnm109 on August 4, 2010, 10:09 amUltraRodHack - 8/4/2010 4:05 AM
Firstly, I have NOTHING but respect and appreciation for all the e-mails you have responded too, trying to help me with my Harley hack that I've yet to attach. Thank you, very, very much Gaylord !!!!
That said, here's my .02
Back in 1983 or 1984, a Chevy dealer I was applying to work for, sent me with their sales mgr. and a couple other guys, to test ride and actually race the Chevy Citation at Norwalk Drag strip in Norwalk, Oh. A couple hundred Chevy dealers/mgr.'s/salesmen were there for the hype to excite everyone about selling the Citation II or III, whatever it was. GM had invested millions of $$$ to design the new Citation. They invested tons more for the nationwide promotion like we were attending. Not 30 days later GM announced they were stopping all production and that model never saw life !!! The Citation was dead ! I joked about that for years, how they could be promoting a product on such a grand scale, after so much $$$ had been invested in R&R and the $$$$ spent to re-tool the plant for production, and 30 days later end it all????
Brilliant !
Harleys Catalog was designed and printed before the decision to stop production. I've never been a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet the farm Harley is done with sidecars. I'd also be willing to bet that the MOCO will be bought by a "foreign" company within the next year or 2. I love my Harley, couldn't wait to get back from vacation on the Wing rig and ride the Harley. My Harley is a 10 in my book, my Wing is a 5. As far as sidecars go, the Hannigan is far more functional, versatile, roomy and dare I say, better looking, at least to me.
I like the old Harley sidecar the best, the one that Liberty copied and produces today. I'd rate my Harley TLE 3rd on the list. Different strokes for different folks.
If I don't get the price I want for my TLE, it'll probably get attached next spring to my 2003 Ultra. I wouldn't mind having 2 rigs.Thanks for the nice words. I do enjoy assisting others in their motorcycling and sidecarring.
That said, all of what you have said with regard to the Chevrolet Citation in the 1980's is irrelevant to today's Harley-Davidson advertising for 2011. As I have mentioned in my earlier posts on this topic, Harley will make you a sidecar if you order one. Otherwise, they aren't on the floor of a dealership. They are a low-key part of Harley's complement of motorcycles and accessories. They don't have to stop building them, since, in effect, they have already done so. However, they can and will build you one whenever they receive an order. They've been on a custom order basis for years. I've said that before by the way.
You say definitively that Harley printed the catalog before they made the decision to stop production but that's only a guess on your part. You will find that sidecars, love them as we do, are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to sell. Harley understands this and keeps them on the back burner. You have discovered this as well with your TLE sale.
You like Hannigans, that's fine. I have to say that they could be the best sidecar built but I don't like the looks of them. From a marketing standpoint, Liberty, for example, was well advised to copy, almost exactly, an earlier Harley design. They know a good looking unit when they see one. LOL.
As far as Harley-Davidson being bought by a foreign corporation, that won't happen while Willie G. is still breathing. He was one of the group of managers who fought so hard to bring the company back from near extinction and he is nothing if not committed to keeping the company going. In any case, selling to a foreign corporation as you suggest would spell death for the company with the faithful. That's not something that a wise manager would consent to.
They did stop building Buells and they discontinue a model here and there and now and then. V-Rods have gone on the back burner due to slow sales, for example. I was at two Harley dealers in the past month and neither one had a V-Rod on display. People seem to love the motor but dislike the looks....and looks are important in marketing.
I'd still like to see the "memo" that shows that Harley-Davidson is stopping sidecars. So far all I have is the new catalog offering them for sale.
UltraRodHack - 8/4/2010 4:05 AM
Firstly, I have NOTHING but respect and appreciation for all the e-mails you have responded too, trying to help me with my Harley hack that I've yet to attach. Thank you, very, very much Gaylord !!!!
That said, here's my .02
Back in 1983 or 1984, a Chevy dealer I was applying to work for, sent me with their sales mgr. and a couple other guys, to test ride and actually race the Chevy Citation at Norwalk Drag strip in Norwalk, Oh. A couple hundred Chevy dealers/mgr.'s/salesmen were there for the hype to excite everyone about selling the Citation II or III, whatever it was. GM had invested millions of $$$ to design the new Citation. They invested tons more for the nationwide promotion like we were attending. Not 30 days later GM announced they were stopping all production and that model never saw life !!! The Citation was dead ! I joked about that for years, how they could be promoting a product on such a grand scale, after so much $$$ had been invested in R&R and the $$$$ spent to re-tool the plant for production, and 30 days later end it all????
Brilliant !
Harleys Catalog was designed and printed before the decision to stop production. I've never been a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet the farm Harley is done with sidecars. I'd also be willing to bet that the MOCO will be bought by a "foreign" company within the next year or 2. I love my Harley, couldn't wait to get back from vacation on the Wing rig and ride the Harley. My Harley is a 10 in my book, my Wing is a 5. As far as sidecars go, the Hannigan is far more functional, versatile, roomy and dare I say, better looking, at least to me.
I like the old Harley sidecar the best, the one that Liberty copied and produces today. I'd rate my Harley TLE 3rd on the list. Different strokes for different folks.
If I don't get the price I want for my TLE, it'll probably get attached next spring to my 2003 Ultra. I wouldn't mind having 2 rigs.
Thanks for the nice words. I do enjoy assisting others in their motorcycling and sidecarring.
That said, all of what you have said with regard to the Chevrolet Citation in the 1980's is irrelevant to today's Harley-Davidson advertising for 2011. As I have mentioned in my earlier posts on this topic, Harley will make you a sidecar if you order one. Otherwise, they aren't on the floor of a dealership. They are a low-key part of Harley's complement of motorcycles and accessories. They don't have to stop building them, since, in effect, they have already done so. However, they can and will build you one whenever they receive an order. They've been on a custom order basis for years. I've said that before by the way.
You say definitively that Harley printed the catalog before they made the decision to stop production but that's only a guess on your part. You will find that sidecars, love them as we do, are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to sell. Harley understands this and keeps them on the back burner. You have discovered this as well with your TLE sale.
You like Hannigans, that's fine. I have to say that they could be the best sidecar built but I don't like the looks of them. From a marketing standpoint, Liberty, for example, was well advised to copy, almost exactly, an earlier Harley design. They know a good looking unit when they see one. LOL.
As far as Harley-Davidson being bought by a foreign corporation, that won't happen while Willie G. is still breathing. He was one of the group of managers who fought so hard to bring the company back from near extinction and he is nothing if not committed to keeping the company going. In any case, selling to a foreign corporation as you suggest would spell death for the company with the faithful. That's not something that a wise manager would consent to.
They did stop building Buells and they discontinue a model here and there and now and then. V-Rods have gone on the back burner due to slow sales, for example. I was at two Harley dealers in the past month and neither one had a V-Rod on display. People seem to love the motor but dislike the looks....and looks are important in marketing.
I'd still like to see the "memo" that shows that Harley-Davidson is stopping sidecars. So far all I have is the new catalog offering them for sale.
Quote from Guest on August 4, 2010, 11:10 amgnm,
You are always a wealth of intelligent info and I appreciate your insight. If I had lived by you, the TLE would have been attached months ago and this would all be history as far as what rig I have. I always trusted your advice to the fullest but I still "think" Harley has ended production, I really do. And I honestly "think" Willie G. will see his family name sold to the highest foreign bidder. This is 1 time I sure hope I am 100% wrong !!!! I've owned/ridden so many bikes I couldn't name them all, but NONE compare to my Harley. And don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind that thinks Harley is the ONLY bike worth riding, as there are usually 2 bikes in my garage at any time, and only once were they BOTH Harleys. It was my Ultra and a V-rod, and it didn't do alot for me, tho' I decent bike. It's usually been the Harley and a sport bike, but that went away to raise disposable income to buy the Wing/Hannigan rig. My precious wife can only take so many bikes in the man cave !!!
It's all good !
gnm,
You are always a wealth of intelligent info and I appreciate your insight. If I had lived by you, the TLE would have been attached months ago and this would all be history as far as what rig I have. I always trusted your advice to the fullest but I still "think" Harley has ended production, I really do. And I honestly "think" Willie G. will see his family name sold to the highest foreign bidder. This is 1 time I sure hope I am 100% wrong !!!! I've owned/ridden so many bikes I couldn't name them all, but NONE compare to my Harley. And don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind that thinks Harley is the ONLY bike worth riding, as there are usually 2 bikes in my garage at any time, and only once were they BOTH Harleys. It was my Ultra and a V-rod, and it didn't do alot for me, tho' I decent bike. It's usually been the Harley and a sport bike, but that went away to raise disposable income to buy the Wing/Hannigan rig. My precious wife can only take so many bikes in the man cave !!!
It's all good !
Quote from gnm109 on August 4, 2010, 12:26 pmUltraRodHack - 8/4/2010 9:10 AM
gnm,
You are always a wealth of intelligent info and I appreciate your insight. If I had lived by you, the TLE would have been attached months ago and this would all be history as far as what rig I have. I always trusted your advice to the fullest but I still "think" Harley has ended production, I really do. And I honestly "think" Willie G. will see his family name sold to the highest foreign bidder. This is 1 time I sure hope I am 100% wrong !!!! I've owned/ridden so many bikes I couldn't name them all, but NONE compare to my Harley. And don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind that thinks Harley is the ONLY bike worth riding, as there are usually 2 bikes in my garage at any time, and only once were they BOTH Harleys. It was my Ultra and a V-rod, and it didn't do alot for me, tho' I decent bike. It's usually been the Harley and a sport bike, but that went away to raise disposable income to buy the Wing/Hannigan rig. My precious wife can only take so many bikes in the man cave !!!
It's all good !Thank you once again.......shucks....LOL.
As to the possible sale of HD.....we shall see.
When last we spoke, I completely forgot the economic side of your hypothesis that Harley could be sold to a foreign company. As you know, Harley-Davidson is a publically-held corporation. I don't watch the stock, but those shares are held by many, many private individuals in small amounts for the most part and holding companies with larger holdings all of whom believe very strongly in the company, its past and future both or they simply wouldn't be involved.
In order for the company to be sold, two things would have to happen:
1. There would have to be an offer. That offer would have to be made on the basis of a premium sale to the shareholders and it would have to be very sweet, indeed. The offer would have to be made in the light of some knowledge that suddenly everyone is going to buy a motorcycle. That isn't going to happen.
I simply cannot imagine anyone or any company wanting to invest in the motorcycle business in this market and economy. Furthermore, if such an offer were to ever be made, it would be in the billioins of dollars. billions with a "B". That's not a wise place to put your money in these times. Furthermore, according to you, the offer would be coming from a foreign corporation. Have you checked how Europe is dong nowadays? They arent much better off than we are. They aren't going to do it. The European people have their own motorcycles and cars to sell. In fact, Harley is presently trying to sell MV Augusta, a fine old European brand - and as far as I know, there aren't any buyers.
2. The shareholders would have to approve the sale. Remember I said that there are many small holders of HD stock. They believe that owning HD stock is important. It makes them feel good. Heck, I may even buy some of it myself. It would take an incredible premium per share to get such an offer approved, even if were to be made, which is extremely doubtful.
As an example of bad ideas when it comes to investing in motorcycle businesses in the past decade, I offer:
1. Buell
2. MV Augusta.
3. Excelsior-Henderson
4. The Gilroy Indian "revival". (Indian II)
5. The latest UK-held Indian "revival" (Indian III) - which made a splash in the newspapers and magazines such as Cycle World and which hasn't been seen since this year. (How many $40K motorcycles will people be buying in this market? )The motorcycle (and sidecar) business is on thin ice right now but, like Phoenix, Harley-Davidson will rise from its own ashes. It always does.
By the way, I've been watching HD for a long. long time so I feel that my opiinion is somewhat meaningful, but them, I slept at home last night, not at a Holiday Inn. LOL.
This is really fun. 🙂
UltraRodHack - 8/4/2010 9:10 AM
gnm,
You are always a wealth of intelligent info and I appreciate your insight. If I had lived by you, the TLE would have been attached months ago and this would all be history as far as what rig I have. I always trusted your advice to the fullest but I still "think" Harley has ended production, I really do. And I honestly "think" Willie G. will see his family name sold to the highest foreign bidder. This is 1 time I sure hope I am 100% wrong !!!! I've owned/ridden so many bikes I couldn't name them all, but NONE compare to my Harley. And don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind that thinks Harley is the ONLY bike worth riding, as there are usually 2 bikes in my garage at any time, and only once were they BOTH Harleys. It was my Ultra and a V-rod, and it didn't do alot for me, tho' I decent bike. It's usually been the Harley and a sport bike, but that went away to raise disposable income to buy the Wing/Hannigan rig. My precious wife can only take so many bikes in the man cave !!!
It's all good !
Thank you once again.......shucks....LOL.
As to the possible sale of HD.....we shall see.
When last we spoke, I completely forgot the economic side of your hypothesis that Harley could be sold to a foreign company. As you know, Harley-Davidson is a publically-held corporation. I don't watch the stock, but those shares are held by many, many private individuals in small amounts for the most part and holding companies with larger holdings all of whom believe very strongly in the company, its past and future both or they simply wouldn't be involved.
In order for the company to be sold, two things would have to happen:
1. There would have to be an offer. That offer would have to be made on the basis of a premium sale to the shareholders and it would have to be very sweet, indeed. The offer would have to be made in the light of some knowledge that suddenly everyone is going to buy a motorcycle. That isn't going to happen.
I simply cannot imagine anyone or any company wanting to invest in the motorcycle business in this market and economy. Furthermore, if such an offer were to ever be made, it would be in the billioins of dollars. billions with a "B". That's not a wise place to put your money in these times. Furthermore, according to you, the offer would be coming from a foreign corporation. Have you checked how Europe is dong nowadays? They arent much better off than we are. They aren't going to do it. The European people have their own motorcycles and cars to sell. In fact, Harley is presently trying to sell MV Augusta, a fine old European brand - and as far as I know, there aren't any buyers.
2. The shareholders would have to approve the sale. Remember I said that there are many small holders of HD stock. They believe that owning HD stock is important. It makes them feel good. Heck, I may even buy some of it myself. It would take an incredible premium per share to get such an offer approved, even if were to be made, which is extremely doubtful.
As an example of bad ideas when it comes to investing in motorcycle businesses in the past decade, I offer:
1. Buell
2. MV Augusta.
3. Excelsior-Henderson
4. The Gilroy Indian "revival". (Indian II)
5. The latest UK-held Indian "revival" (Indian III) - which made a splash in the newspapers and magazines such as Cycle World and which hasn't been seen since this year. (How many $40K motorcycles will people be buying in this market? )
The motorcycle (and sidecar) business is on thin ice right now but, like Phoenix, Harley-Davidson will rise from its own ashes. It always does.
By the way, I've been watching HD for a long. long time so I feel that my opiinion is somewhat meaningful, but them, I slept at home last night, not at a Holiday Inn. LOL.
This is really fun. 🙂
Quote from Hack__n on August 4, 2010, 1:21 pmGaylord,
None of your mentioned examples was a company having a current large share of the over 800cc world motorcycle market (I'm just sayin'.)L.
Also a Harley rider since 1946, but I've only owned two Harley sidecars. The latest was a 95th Anniversary model.
Gaylord,
None of your mentioned examples was a company having a current large share of the over 800cc world motorcycle market (I'm just sayin'.)
L.
Also a Harley rider since 1946, but I've only owned two Harley sidecars. The latest was a 95th Anniversary model.
Quote from Chuck on August 4, 2010, 2:42 pmLonnie,
The first HD car you owned, that wasn't the one with the flowers planted in it.......was it?
Lonnie,
The first HD car you owned, that wasn't the one with the flowers planted in it.......was it?
Quote from gnm109 on August 4, 2010, 3:13 pmHack'n - 8/4/2010 11:21 AM
Gaylord,
None of your mentioned examples was a company having a current large share of the over 800cc world motorcycle market (I'm just sayin'.)L.
Also a Harley rider since 1946, but I've only owned two Harley sidecars. The latest was a 95th Anniversary model.That's very..I mean extremely perceptive of you. When speaking in those terms i.e., +/- 800 ccs, I presume that you are referring to the Japanese Big Four - Honda Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. I can't imagine that they would be interested in purchasing HD, even if it were for sale.
Ahh.......no flowers. LOL.
Hack'n - 8/4/2010 11:21 AM
Gaylord,
None of your mentioned examples was a company having a current large share of the over 800cc world motorcycle market (I'm just sayin'.)L.
Also a Harley rider since 1946, but I've only owned two Harley sidecars. The latest was a 95th Anniversary model.
That's very..I mean extremely perceptive of you. When speaking in those terms i.e., +/- 800 ccs, I presume that you are referring to the Japanese Big Four - Honda Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. I can't imagine that they would be interested in purchasing HD, even if it were for sale.
Ahh.......no flowers. LOL.
Quote from Guest on August 4, 2010, 3:34 pmNow you know why I'm a high school teacher and not a stock broker !!!
I like your outlook way better than mine now.
Now you know why I'm a high school teacher and not a stock broker !!!
I like your outlook way better than mine now.
Quote from Hack__n on August 4, 2010, 5:05 pm<>
No, I was referring to your examples 1 through 5 not having a decent market share so not being a desirable investment option.
Several American icons are moving around (Budweiser, Jeep, Chrysler, Hummer, etc) and some have left us. I hope we keep the Harley Logo here even if it is a global product.L.
<>
No, I was referring to your examples 1 through 5 not having a decent market share so not being a desirable investment option.
Several American icons are moving around (Budweiser, Jeep, Chrysler, Hummer, etc) and some have left us. I hope we keep the Harley Logo here even if it is a global product.
L.
Quote from gnm109 on August 4, 2010, 5:28 pmHack'n - 8/4/2010 3:05 PM
<>
No, I was referring to your examples 1 through 5 not having a decent market share so not being a desirable investment option.
Several American icons are moving around (Budweiser, Jeep, Chrysler, Hummer, etc) and some have left us. I hope we keep the Harley Logo here even if it is a global product.L.
Well, it has been a global product for a long time. I read in the Sacramento newspaper this week that they are going to begin shipping subassemblies (motors, transmissions, frames) to India for assembly. The same article mentioned that more than 30% of HD's produstion goes overseas and they intend to up that to 40%. That's good for the future.
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/30/2925332/harley-davidson-takes-aim-at-indias.html
Hack'n - 8/4/2010 3:05 PM
<>
No, I was referring to your examples 1 through 5 not having a decent market share so not being a desirable investment option.
Several American icons are moving around (Budweiser, Jeep, Chrysler, Hummer, etc) and some have left us. I hope we keep the Harley Logo here even if it is a global product.L.
Well, it has been a global product for a long time. I read in the Sacramento newspaper this week that they are going to begin shipping subassemblies (motors, transmissions, frames) to India for assembly. The same article mentioned that more than 30% of HD's produstion goes overseas and they intend to up that to 40%. That's good for the future.
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/30/2925332/harley-davidson-takes-aim-at-indias.html